Jade Thirlwall has disclosed that she is living with a rare medical condition that prevents her from burping.
The former Little Mix member explained that the condition has “caused issues” across her life and criticized people who “comment on her weight”.
She revealed in a remark on a TikTok post by creator Gemma Renwick that she has been diagnosed with Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction (R-CPD).
Often referred to as “no burp syndrome,” the condition arises when the cricopharyngeus muscle at the upper esophagus cannot relax, preventing any burp.
“Oh my goodness, I finally feel seen and understood,” Jade wrote.
“It has long been a quirky fact that I can’t burp, yet it has caused problems throughout my life, and I’m tired of people commenting on my weight and physique onstage when I’m simply visibly bloated.”
In the clip, Gemma describes having undergone “throtox”—a Botox procedure aimed at relaxing the cricopharyngeus muscle to open the upper esophageal sphincter and release trapped gas.
Jade, now pursuing a thriving solo career, said she would consider throtox but fears it might affect her vocal cords.
“I’d like to have throtox, but I’m concerned it could affect my singing,” she said.
The 33-year-old also shared Gemma’s appeal urging the government to reassess NHS access to therapies for R-CPD.
“Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix also struggles with R-CPD. Who would have thought?” Gemma commented after posting Jade’s remark online.
“Who would have guessed she can’t burp either? If this treatment can help at least one person transform their life, then my work here is done.”
Jade, who issued her debut solo album That’s Showbiz Baby! last September, had previously revealed on TikTok in 2023 that she cannot burp, though she hadn’t explained that it was caused by a rare medical condition.
“I’ve never burped in my life, but I’m still stunning,” she revealed.
